The Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata; A. spp.) is the most iconic tree of Africa and it bears a fruit that is now making its way into western markets.
The baobab fruits are large and though they look a little strange—being hard, fuzzy, and irregularly shaped—and are vitamin and mineral rich.
Baobab trees are widespread across Africa and there are about nine species in total (they are also found in Madagascar, Australia, Arabia, and now Asia), and are among the longest-living vascular plants on Earth.
The fruit dries on the tree and the resultant fruit pulp is dry with a tart citrus-flavor. Traditionally, the Baobab fruit has been used as a food and also a traditional drink. The dried powder (which is the fruit pulp) is easy to scrape out and bam!–it is ready to use!
Baobab fruit pulp is sometimes used as a milk substitute, which is nutritious—providing two times more calcium than dairy milk, many times more vitamin C than oranges and more iron than red meat! Additionally, it is rich in fiber, potassium and iron and is a good prebiotic.
The Baobab leaves also have food use and are used in Africa in soups, sauces, relish, and used dried and powdered. Additionally, the seeds have been used for extraction of an oil for cooking and in cosmetics and body care.
Some Baobab species also serve as sources for dye and fiber, and for making crafts.
The Baobab trees have such large trunks because they store large amounts of water (up to 32,000 gallons) in order to endure dry harsh conditions. Imagine a world where we promoted more of these beautiful, iconic and resourceful stores in our environments!
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Photo by Beau Botschuijver